[HanselPA]

It is at $500 on Fiio AE store! It was like that from the beginning or the price drop?

 

[WongGang]

It is at $500 on Fiio AE store! It was like that from the beginning or the price drop?

I also saw the price drop. It is $500 on Amazon too. I think originally it was announced to retail for $600. On hifigo it is still $530.

 

[SleepyRhythms]

How much FA9 are larger than FA1/7?
@FiiO can you spoil a bit about tuning? I hope that they are FA1 signature with FH7 dynamics and sound quality

The FA7 I have had for a year is a different beast compared to the FH7. You're looking at a thick, energetic, engaging sound that isn't afraid to suck the music into its tonality. Very warm and colored compared to the more resolving FH line. So for the FA9, I expect the same improved on. The medical grade resin is NO JOKE. My FH7 and FH5 are scathed with micro nicks from being carried in the included zipper pouches. The FA7 on the other hand looks like I unboxed it minutes ago. Looking forward to the sonic comparisons.

 

[SleepyRhythms]

FiiO FA9 6 Knowles Balanced Armature IEM



Features of FiiO FA9:-
>Six Knowles Balanced Armature Driver Units.
>Three-Way Tuning Switch & Hi-Res Certification.
>80.6mm Large Acoustic Tube.
>3D printed resin shells.
>8-Core Single-Crystalline Silver Plated Copper Cable.
>Universal MMCX Connectors.

FiiO has released its latest flagship pair of in-ear monitors, the FiiO FA9. It features six Knowles balanced armature driver units on each side that provide crisp clear sound output with a wide soundstage. The pair has 3D printed medical-grade resin shell with a transparent inner cavity and ergonomic design. The faceplate has a diamond-cut design that adds to the rich and premium look of this flagship pair.


Unmatched Sound Output:-
FiiO FA9 is equipped with six Knowles balanced armature driver units on each side. It features SWFK-31736 balanced armature unit for providing a crisp detailed treble section, Knowles 33877 unit for providing solid sweet vocals and acoustic details in the mids section and HODVTEC-31618 unit to provide a thick, deep, and rich lower end. The sound quality is balanced and natural, with crisp clarity and lush vocals. The bass response is deep and punchy, the treble portion is smooth and detailed. This pair is suitable for any genre of music.


80.6mm Large Acoustic Tube:-
FiiO FA9 features a large 80.6mm acoustic tubes that bring output through the drivers to the ear nozzle. They ensure that the output is distortion-free due to multi-driver units and provide a lifelike rich output.

3D Printed Resin Shells:-
The earpieces in FiiO FA9 are made with high precision 3D printing techniques to provide an ergonomic design and lightweight structure to them. They are made up of skin-friendly resin material. The fit with these earpieces is very comfortable, users won’t even notice them even after long music sessions.


Three-Way Tuning Switch & Hi-Res Certification:-
FiiO FA9 is equipped with a three-way electronic switch that users can use to tune the sound output according to one’s personal preference. The pair has received Hi-Res certification from the Japanese Audio Association, it is able to provide details better than cd quality.

Supreme Quality Cable:-
FiiO FA9 has a supreme quality cable included in the package. It is an 8-core single-crystalline silver-plated copper cable with MMCX connectors and 3.5mm termination plug. The cable provides very low resistance to the audio signal and provides a well-detailed signal from the source to the IEM’s.

Quality Accessories Bundled in the Package:-
The package included high-quality accessories including an HB3 leather carry case, 15 pairs of ear tips including 3 pairs of SpinFit premium ear tips, Cleaning Brush, and more

Could you please compare the sound to the FA7?

 

[WongGang]

The FA7 I have had for a year is a different beast compared to the FH7. You're looking at a thick, energetic, engaging sound that isn't afraid to suck the music into its tonality. Very warm and colored compared to the more resolving FH line. So for the FA9, I expect the same improved on. The medical grade resin is NO JOKE. My FH7 and FH5 are scathed with micro nicks from being carried in the included zipper pouches. The FA7 on the other hand looks like I unboxed it minutes ago. Looking forward to the sonic comparisons.

I have also had the FA7 for about a year. Absolutely love the sound from it and the comfort is unmatched. I like the warm and energetic sound of the FA7, as I'm a bit sensitive to treble. I know a lot of people prefer the FH over the FA lineup, but sound aside I prefer the design, smaller form factor, comfort, and resin material used in the FA7. My FA9 should be delivered the coming Monday, can't wait to compare them!

 

[WongGang]

I received the FA9 today and have been comparing the FA7 and the FA9 directly for the past 5 or so hours.

Using ES100 + 2.5mm Balanced Silver plated copper cable (Fiio LC2.5C). All switches set to 0 or off.

FA7 (Gray smoke) - What I've been using for the past year. More comfortable. Lighter weight, not as big. Slips right into my ears perfectly. Overall darker/warmer sounding. Everything sounds a little bit "softer" in comparison with the FA9. I feel the bass extends deeper, might be because of the overall warmer tone. Never sibilant.

FA9 (Clear) - Bigger, heavier. Doesn't slide into the ears quite as nicely but still comfortable. I was worried that you could feel the switches when they are in your ears, but you can't. Very flush. Very energetic and not as warm sounding. Basically, a cleaner and more detailed sounding pair of IEMs across the board. Soundstage is slightly bigger and more "airy," more width than depth. Instrument separation is a lot better than the FA7, can hear a lot of micro details coming in from left and right sides. More treble. Never sibilant.

An overall improvement in comparison to the FA7. The FA9 to me is a cleaner, more detailed FA7 with much better instrument separation. However, it still maintains the slightly warm and energetic traits of an all balanced armature IEM. I always thought the FA7 were extremely good looking IEMs (and they still are), but the FA9 look even more stunning in person with the clear color. I'm very happy with my purchase

 

[SleepyRhythms]

I received the FA9 today and have been comparing the FA7 and the FA9 directly for the past 5 or so hours.

Using ES100 + 2.5mm Balanced Silver plated copper cable (Fiio LC2.5C). All switches set to 0 or off.

FA7 (Gray smoke) - What I've been using for the past year. More comfortable. Lighter weight, not as big. Slips right into my ears perfectly. Overall darker/warmer sounding. Everything sounds a little bit "softer" in comparison with the FA9. I feel the bass extends deeper, might be because of the overall warmer tone. Never sibilant.

FA9 (Clear) - Bigger, heavier. Doesn't slide into the ears quite as nicely but still comfortable. I was worried that you could feel the switches when they are in your ears, but you can't. Very flush. Very energetic and not as warm sounding. Basically, a cleaner and more detailed sounding pair of IEMs across the board. Soundstage is slightly bigger and more "airy," more width than depth. Instrument separation is a lot better than the FA7, can hear a lot of micro details coming in from left and right sides. More treble. Never sibilant.

An overall improvement in comparison to the FA7. The FA9 to me is a cleaner, more detailed FA7 with much better instrument separation. However, it still maintains the slightly warm and energetic traits of an all balanced armature IEM. I always thought the FA7 were extremely good looking IEMs (and they still are), but the FA9 look even more stunning in person with the clear color. I'm very happy with my purchase

Noooooo, I love that full bodied, thick, mid bass energy focused, warm tonality of the FA7. Sad to hear the bigger brother takes a step back. Thank you kindly for taking the time to list off the comparisons. It has always been my experience the FA series is for people leaning toward a smooth, colored approach while the FH line is dramatically more resolving and spacious sounding It seems the FA9 takes a step between the two. Will have to try it at Canjam in December. Appreciate your write up.

 

[WongGang]

Noooooo, I love that full bodied, thick, mid bass energy focused, warm tonality of the FA7. Sad to hear the bigger brother takes a step back. Thank you kindly for taking the time to list off the comparisons. It has always been my experience the FA series is for people leaning toward a smooth, colored approach while the FH line is dramatically more resolving and spacious sounding. It seems the FA9 takes a step between the two. Will have to try it at Canjam in December. Appreciate your write up.

Yeah the FA9 just takes a slight step towards a different direction. I was messing around with the switches, and with s2 and s3 off (bass boost mode ,which is what I've been mostly testing), this is the sound that most resembles the FA7, and my comparisons were done in this mode. Even in bass boost mode, the bass is just slightly reduced in comparison with the FA7. By default s3 is on when it arrives which reduces the bass and bumps up the mids, which makes the sound even less warm and energetic. I prefer to keep s2 and s3 off (bass boost mode). The good thing about the switches is that people can change them to whatever sound they want. I know the FA7 wasn't for everyone, so for people who wanted less bass and more treble they can turn s2 and s3 on. I've been really enjoying the FA9 so far.

Edit: After spending more time with the FA9, I found that my favorite setting is s1 off, s2 off, s3 on. Originally I think my ears were still used to the warm, thick sound of the FA7, so I was happy with the extra bass mode (all switches off). However, after listening with the different modes I really started to appreciate the extra detail, more airiness, and much more lively, realistic vocals provided with the reduced bass and bumped up mids with the third switch. This is also a more overall balanced sound with s3 on. Now when I listen back to my FA7 which I use mostly throughout the day, I find myself missing the clarity and extra detail that the FA9 gives me.

 

[McCol]

Yeah the FA9 just takes a slight step towards a different direction. I was messing around with the switches, and with s2 and s3 off (bass boost mode ,which is what I've been mostly testing), this is the sound that most resembles the FA7, and my comparisons were done in this mode. Even in bass boost mode, the bass is just slightly reduced in comparison with the FA7. By default s3 is on when it arrives which reduces the bass and bumps up the mids, which makes the sound even less warm and energetic. I prefer to keep s2 and s3 off (bass boost mode). The good thing about the switches is that people can change them to whatever sound they want. I know the FA7 wasn't for everyone, so for people who wanted less bass and more treble they can turn s2 and s3 on. I've been really enjoying the FA9 so far.

Are you able to comment on how it fares against earphones higher up the pricing scale?

 

[WongGang]

Are you able to comment on how it fares against earphones higher up the pricing scale?

The FA9 are my most expensive earphones so far

 

[Jazic]

Most if the questions I asked we're covered in the thread. I should've stopped and read instead of skimming.

 

[xkoo]

it arrived

 

[domiji]

it arrived

What do you think of the FA9 and especially the LC-RE?

 

[xkoo]

About Fiio FA9 I already wrote before, just check some pages before.
About Fiio LC-RE i haven't got time to test it yet
I will write later my feelings

 

[Jazic]

Just got mine in today and so far I'm loving them. They are a bit.. thicker sounding than my P1 but those things extend into the future.

Sound stage is more oval and in your head sounding than my P1's which sounds a bit further away.

Bass is definitely more defined than the P1. With a minor EQ bass boost it rumbles in ways other all BA IEM's just don't.

Very detailed and analytical which is right up my ally. I'm very sensitive to 4kHz splash and these don't have any of it at all.

As far as the tuning goes I like to set them to have easier to drive on my ES100 but on the Jotunheim they seem to sing better with a higher impedance. As for the other settings I really don't notice much of a different 'yet'. From me messing around with it for an hour I've settled with everything to the Up position except for the Jotunheim where the 1 is set to 'off'.

I haven't had the chance to listen to them for an extended period but so far they fit my ears very well.

These are just my rambling thoughts.. if they make sense then hopefully they help.

EDIT: I'm using Tidal HiFi and Master when available and listen mostly to metal. I'm also using the FiiO $99 silver cable and balanced out to both the Jotunheim (with adapter) and ES100. My tips are Comply.

EDIT 2: Messing with the impedance switch (1), I'm finding that it sounds a little tighter when it's on especially on the Jotunheim. I do notice an instant change in volume by a few dB as previously mentioned. Things just feel loose when it's set to 'off' and tighter when it's set to 'on'. It could just be me but that's what I'm noticing.

EDIT 3: The P1's to me sound like you're in the studio with the song being recorded. The FA9 sounds like you're hearing the recording from an incredible set of speakers and setup in a crazy high end audiophile room.